by Denise Murphy

Created on: July 02, 2007

Crochet is nearly a lost art in todays world of I want it now. I learned to crochet at my Grandmother's knee. My mother never learned, my sister never wanted to and I am amazed at just how many women out there have no idea how to crochet. They are missing a great way not only to relax but also on creating some truly beautiful crafts.

I had problems with my heart several years ago and was told that it beats to fast. Many tests and prescriptions later I have found the best way to beat stress is to slow down and enjoy the world around me by crocheting. I have rediscovered the art my Grandmother taught me and have found inner peace. It is amazing how absorbed you get with a simple pattern, a crochet hook and a ball of yarn.

I started again by crocheting toys for a niece who was born blind. It became addictive in it's own way. I couldn't stop and the toys turned into seventeen little gifts for a child who loved the texture and it made me forget about the stresses of the day that were piling up. I began to really look at the things around me with a different view. Suddenly things that use to set me on edge weren't so important anymore.

I also found that crocheting for charitable causes could also help you relieve stress by helping someone in need suddenly your worries didn't seem so large anymore. One of my favorite charities is to the local animal shelters, the Right to Life organizations and adopt a family at Christmas time. Unfortunately I have no babies to crochet for any longer but there are organizations out there like Right to Life that love your gifts and nothing makes your stress disappear like a good deed.

I recently discovered some old patterns for young girls that I am putting to good use to beat back some recent stress. I have a granddaughter who is two and half and three foot tall. She is hard to fit because she is to big for most toddler clothes but not big enough for girls clothes. Grandma to the rescue! I am crocheting her dresses, sweaters, winter gear, and even summer tops and it makes me feel great. I am going into the hospital tomorrow for a hysterectomy and my crochet is going with me. I intend to crochet my stress away while I recover. My little Granddaughter has put in her order for a bed doll in orange and every stuff animal that I can make beginning with a kitty and ending with a zebra. If you have a crochet hook you can beat stress any time and anywhere!

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